Sinus infections are a very common condition that affects many people throughout the world. Symptoms of a sinus infection include inflammation of the nasal passages, nasal congestion, pain, headaches, fever, sore throat, and facial tenderness including pressure behind the eyes and cheek areas. When suffering from a sinus infection, your mood and entire lifestyle are affected. Sinusitis happens when the delicate membranes in your nose and sinuses become inflamed from a viral or bacterial infection.

This may be a result of a cold, allergies, air pollutants, or exposure to dry, cold air. The inflammation causes the membranes to secrete additional mucous to fight the infection, and the mucous becomes trapped in the sinuses and becomes infected.

Sinus infections are most frequently treated with antibiotics or steroids to fight the infection but symptoms may return once the antibiotics are finished. These harsh drugs also upset the body's system by destroying the body's healthy bacteria. Acetaminophen can be used to treat the pain along with nasal decongestants, but this does not cure the problem. Antihistamines should be avoided unless the sinus problem is caused by allergies.

Alternative treatments are also available, such as acupressure that can relieve the pain without causing any side effects, but this treatment is not effective for all. Drinking plenty of hot liquids and applying warm compresses to your face will help loosen the trapped mucous, and vaporizers also provide a natural remedy that has long lasting effects.

When the infection is prolonged, the body's immunity is weakened. Eucalyptus, lavender oil, and menthol relieve congestion, and Echinacea will help build the immune system. Just a few drops of these potent herbs can be added to water and vaporized so they are inhaled directly in their purest form.

The steam created by vaporizers relieves stuffiness, makes breathing easier, and provides relief to the nasal passages. A cool mist vaporizer encourages healing by supplying moisture to the sinuses.

After using a vaporizer at night, be sure to air out the room during the day. The increased heat and humidity can cause mold and mildew to grow and aggravate the problem. Keep the vaporizer out of the reach of small children and infants as the hot, moist vapor can cause burns.

Using essential oils in your vaporizer at nighttime will aid in sleeping by diffusing them into the air where they are inhaled. Some of the most effective essential oils are black pepper, cardamom, cedar wood, cypress, Eucalyptus, frankincense, lemon, peppermint, pine, rosemary and sandalwood. Apple cider vinegar has also been proven to be effective in treating sinus infections.

Some herbs that can be used in a vaporizer include English plantain, licorice, thyme, sweet chestnut and comfrey. Garlic is also effective as it is able to alter the body's chemistry and also helps to fight infection.

They say that prevention is the best medicine, and ways to prevent sinus infections include regular exercise and eating a balanced diet. Avoid dry environments and use a humidifier. Keep your nasal passages moist and avoid irritants such as cigar and cigarette smoke.

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